Pesticide Labels

Pesticide labels offer information about handling and usage of pesticides, possible risks, and contain guidelines to diminish or circumvent the dangers. Pesticide applicators must read and follow the information on pesticide labels. Pesticides improve the quality of life when applied properly.

Pesticides control, destroy or repel pests. However, careless handling of pesticides can threaten the health of applicators, other people, plants, birds, and animals. Pesticides must be used in strict accordance with instructions on pesticide labels.

About handling of toxic substances

Choosing the pesticides, it is good to compare different pesticide labels. A comparison of these labels helps choose the product that controls the pest in the best way. Buying pesticides, read the labels to decide where the pesticide can be used as well as to determine the quantity of required products. Preparing the pesticides, read the pesticide labels to know what protective measures should be undertaken during the mixing procedures. These labels inform about safety measures to reduce potential damage and tell how and when to use compounds against pest. You can also find information where and how to store the pesticides. Pesticide labels instruct how to perform decontamination and disposal of toxic compounds.

Information on pesticide labels

The law stipulates that the information must appear on these useful labels. Pesticide applicators must read, understand and follow the label instructions.

The labels usually contain the following information:

Product name.

Type of pesticide and the pests that it controls.

Active and inactive ingredients.

Amount of products in the containers.

Name and address of the manufacturer.

Registration number of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that the pesticide is approved by EPA and may be applied according to directions on the pesticide label.

EPA number also identifies the establishment or facility where the pesticide was produced.

The warning announcement "Keep out of reach of children" is required on all containers and all labels.

Symbols and signal words on the labels inform about toxicity.

Additional information on pesticide labels

The labels also contain the following information:

Report of treatment shows the first aid that must be administered to the victim exposed by accident to the pesticide.

Notes to doctors suggest information for medical personnel about poison treatment and antidotes.

Protective statements categorize hazards and ways of risk reduction.

The section "Hazards to humans and domestic animals" indicates the ways of pesticide penetration and actions that can avert overexposure.

The section "Environmental hazards" on the pesticide labels warns of pesticide risks to the environment and provides ways to evade injury to living organisms or harm to the environment.

The section "Physical or chemical hazards" on the pesticide label tells of fire, explosion, or chemical dangers.

Guidelines for the use on the labels presuppose correct application and abiding by instructions.

All labels contain guidelines for the correct storage and pesticide disposal.